NHL: Ilya Kovalchuk retirement leaves Devils in bind

11:08 PM,
Jul. 11, 2013

Ilya Kovalchuk's departure leaves the Devils with no star forwards a week after free agency started.

Written by

Kevin Allen
USA TODAY Sports

When it comes to correcting roster problems, New Jersey Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello is known as the NHL's "fixer."

He has made small deals, major trades, quiet signings, flashy free-agent acquisitions, coach hirings and firings through the years to stay a half-step ahead of the competition. That's why he has made the playoffs 21 times in 25 seasons as Devils boss.

But not even Lou's magic can find a solution for losing a player of Ilya Kovalchuk's magnitude this late in the free-agent season. ...